Firstly, introduce yourself; who you are, what you do and who you run with/for? 

My name is Jarrod but my mates call me Jay or Borj. I’m a lover of easy runs, innovation and sandwich pressed pizza (if you know, you know). I work full time at Up There Athletics and run with the good people at Hunter Athletics and Recreation. 

How long have you been running and what is your main source of motivation? 

I started being consistent with running when I started with Hunter in 2018 but prior to that I was jogging around here and there for 2 years via the guided runs on the Nike Run Club app as a way to get off the couch. 

I’d say my main motivation to run is the opportunity that it presents to progress. Whether that be bettering relationships or creating new ones, training today to become a better version of myself tomorrow or to explore the beautiful landscape around us. Running has seriously been a blessing. 

Where do you live? Do you find yourself sticking to your local routes or exploring outside your area? 

I live in the West Side of Melbourne about 35 mins from the CBD in a flat area called Taylors Hill (bit ironic hey). For short runs I’ll stick around the suburbs but for the longer stuff I tend to escape to connect with the running culture in the CBD or to explore the trails Victoria has to offer. There is plenty of unreal trails closer to home than you think, you just need to stop and look around. 

What is your go-to running route in/around Melbourne and why? 

During lockdown it was a 10-13km loop around my area that looks like my face on Strava. This wasn’t planned but hey it looks cool. It’s my bread-and-butter route where I can zone out, get into a rhythm and be in the moment. However, when possible, I love getting out to Lerderderg Gorge in Bacchus Marsh or the You Yangs just past Werribee. There is something so entrancing about running in nature where pace doesn’t matter and you’re just flowing through. 

If you could pick one road or trail to run anywhere in the world, where would it be and is it somewhere you have run before? 

Tough question. My dream trail run would have to be the Tour Du Mont Blanc race in Chamonix France. The ridge lines and surrounding mountain background looks unreal. One road that looks cool but would be as tough as nails is the road through Death Valley in the Speed Project. The vibes look so good but it would be a proper grind. 

Are you currently or do you have plans to train for any events in the future? If so, what and why? 

I’m definitely going to have to send it at Melbourne. Distance is still TBA but the lead up and the culture around it is going to be so good. There are some exciting times ahead and what better place to do it than in your home city. I’ve also put my name down for the Tarawera Ultra 102km in NZ next year. I’ve never done a trail ultra race but I love NZ so what better way to explore it than by running the whole damn thing.

Photography— Riley Wolff